Join Us for the Day or Stay for a Few Extra Days

Day Trip: Thursday November 5th, or Tuesday, November 10 | Mapes Creek Boat Launch (Logger Bridge)

Camping:  | Kilchis River County Campground 

Join Fishmasters Dennis Hite & Mike Butcher for a day of fly-fishing For Chum Salmon on the beautiful Kilchis River. You can make it a longer trip by staying at the Kilchis River County Campground or stay in one of the many hotel options in Tillamook.

Either way, come experience the second largest Salmon on the fly.

Two Ways to Join the Outing

Option 1: Thursday or Tuesday Day Trip

Come for the day on Thursday November 5th, or Tuesday November 10 depending on weather and river flows. We’ll meet in the morning at Mapes Creek Boat Launch AKA (Logger Bridge), set up rods, enjoy donuts, go over safety and fishing plans, then head out for a day of exploring the river. Bring $10 to park, or you can park outside on the road and walk in. If you have your rig shuttled down to the Parks Landing take out your $10 pass is good for that area also.

Option 2: Extended stay Camping or Hotel

Turn the outing into a longer adventure by reserving a campsite at Kilchis River County Campground a couple of miles upstream from the Logger Bridge boat launch.

There are several hotels in Tillamook you can stay in if you don't want leave early the morning of the outing.

Reserve your Kilchis River County Campground site here:
Book | Tillamook County Parks

Hotel information later in this article.

The Kilchis River has one of the best Chum Salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. It also supports Chinook, and Steelhead runs that are worth checking out also. But November is the time for Chum. The season closes on November 15th every year and the river can get quite crowded on the weekends. That is why this year we have chosen to hold the outing on a weekday. Weather and river flows are always a factor so make sure you register for this outing as the date could change with only a day or two notice. 

The Days Tentative Itinerary

Main gathering location: Mapes Creek (Logger Bridge) boat launch.

Google Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nhcB3hahsiKG7ysTA

Meeting locations and times are subject to change. Please RSVP so Dennis or Mike can contact you if plans are updated.

Fishing Plan

This is catch & Release fishing at its finest. These fish are hard fighting and marked with an array of colors. These will some of your best pictures of the year. This is a wade or float fishery. There is plenty of bank access at Logger Bridge and above on Kilchis Forest Road. It is an excellent place to fly fish as the river is slow and easily accessible for a mile or so upstream. The fish will be stacked up in this area preparing to spawn in the coming weeks. Above this area look for fast water, that's where the fish will be hanging out. Fishing is best when the Wilson is at about 7.0 ft, this puts the Kilchis at about 4.0 ft. The Kilchis clears up faster than the other rivers in the area so don’t let a little rain stop you. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of bank access below logger bridge.

The float from Logger Bridge down to the take-out at Parks landing boat launch just above 101 is an easy float. This is a great river to learn on. This section has a very low gradient filled with long runs, deep pools, and a few fast spots, but no rapids to speak of. The take-out is located just past the third bridge below Logger Bridge on the left bank. 

Gear and Setup

• Rod: 8-weight or 9-weight single-hand or switch/spey rod to handle their massive power.
• Reel: Large arbor reel with at least 100 yards of backing.
• Lines: Sink-tip or full sink lines depending on water depth and flow.
• Leader: 7.5 to 10-foot leader tapered to 20 to 25-pound test.
• Flies: Pink craft fur darts, egg patterns, comets, and clousers.
• Bring pliers, these fish have enamel on their teeth. 

Hotel Options Nearby

• The Tillamook Inn. 2515 N. Main Ave, Tillamook, OR 97141. Phone: 503-842-7971

• Western Royal Inn. 1125 N. Main Ave. Tillamook, OR 97141. Phone: 503-842-8844

RSVP

• If you plan to attend, please fill out registration button above (top of this page), or email Dennis Hite at dhite1@yahoo.com with the following information:

1. Your name

2. Names of anyone coming with you

3. Your cell phone number

4. Emergency contact name

5. Emergency contact phone number

RSVPs help us plan, communicate any changes, and keep everyone accounted for during the outing.

Safety

For emergencies, aside from calling 911 when in cell coverage, please take note of the following information:

Nearest Regional Hospitals:

• Adventist Health Tillamook, 1000 3rd St, Tillamook, OR 97141. Phone: 503-842-4444

Nearest Clinics in Tillamook (Limited Hours):

• Urgent Care Adventist Health. 1100 3rd St. Tillamook, OR 97141. Monday–Friday (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM), Saturday–Sunday (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

Email dhite1@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

See you on the water!

Cheers,
Dennis Hite
Fishmaster, Kilchis River Outing